The ABA is the voice of the nation’s $17 trillion banking industry, composed of small, regional and large banks that together employ more than 2 million people, safeguard $13 trillion in deposits and extend more than $9 trillion in loans.

We all know that community banking plays a significant role in the growth of our communities and economies. All of us at Chesapeake Bank are honored to have Jeff take on a larger role with the ABA and be a part of such important conversations that impact banking on both a national and local level.

Chesapeake Bank and community volunteers will be back at it again for the 2nd Annual Westwood Playground Clean-Up, a day of cleaning, caring and repairing our neighborhood’s historic park and playground.

We’re dedicated to getting involved in the communities we serve, and what better way to get to know your neighbors and give back than to get your hands dirty for a good cause?

On Saturday, July 29, we’ll join forces with neighbors, community organizations and volunteers to work on landscaping, picking up litter and planting flowers at the nearby Westwood Playground.

Last year’s cleanup was a huge success resulting in working bathrooms, running water, and new grills, benches and tables. More than 40 volunteers came out to help give the playground the long-overdue facelift it deserved. This year, we’re hoping to make an even bigger impact. In addition to cleaning up the park, artist Hamilton Glass will be joining the fun to create a mural at the playground for everyone to enjoy.

So tell your neighbors, bring your friends and join the Westwood Playground Clean-Up for a day of cleaning, caring and community. Visit our Facebook page for more information and to RSVP.

The preparation and planning of a marriage is an exciting time which usually involves cake, flowers and guest lists. But, an equally important (and less romantic) aspect of planning is discussing how your financials will change. Marriage brings some pretty serious changes to the state of your previously independent financial situation. According to a new study, 26% of couples reported money problems as their biggest relationship stressor.

Before walking down the aisle, here are four questions to discuss with your future spouse.

What should we do with our bank accounts?

Should you and your spouse have separate accounts, a joint account or both? Many newly married couples choose to join their monetary assets to ease the process of paying bills. Some couples choose to have a joint account and separate accounts to easily manage their own separate spending. There’s no right answer for everyone, but assessing you and your fiancé’s spending habits before the wedding will give you a better idea as to what will work best for your relationship.

What happens to our credit?

Listen up, you will always have your own credit score. We don’t know where this myth originated but it is a common misconception that your credit score will reset with your marriage. For good or bad, your previous credit score won’t be affected by your spouse’s once you get married. However, when you decide to open a joint bank account or apply for a loan together any subsequent transactions can affect both you and your spouse’s credit scores.

How should we file our taxes?

Another important decision you and your future spouse will have to make regards your tax filing status: whether you will file joint or separate taxes. To determine the correct filing status for your financial situation, the IRS offers these tips. Combining your incomes will make your total household income higher and could potentially bump you into a higher tax bracket. Paying more income tax as a couple rather than two individuals is called a “marriage penalty.” You can use this marriage penalty calculator to find out how much you would have to pay if you filed together or separately.

Whose insurance policy is best for us?

When you get married you have the option to share plans and benefits. If you both have jobs with benefits you can choose the policy that offers the best benefits for both of you. You also have the option to make changes to your insurance plans after you get married. According to the DMV married couples are less likely to get into an accident than unmarried people, so most car insurance providers offer multiple vehicle discounts and other money saving options for married couples.

Talking about your finances with your partner will be an ongoing process, and just like your relationship, it will evolve with time. Open and honest communication will go a long way towards a stress-free marriage.

Great employees are essential to any company’s success. But hiring the right person can be tricky, especially for many small business owners. It’s not uncommon for independently-owned businesses to lack the market or web presence larger companies can afford. And, unfortunately, unless you operate in a very small town, potential employees may be unaware your business exists.

To find great employees, start by prominently displaying your company’s values and mission statement on your website and job listings. Instead of simply posting a ‘Help Wanted’ sign in the window, take a more active approach. Scour LinkedIn and Facebook for possible candidates. Encourage your current employees to ask their personal and professional networks.

And when it comes time to interview, be consistent. Everyone involved in the hiring process should know the specific skills and capabilities you’re looking for, as well as non-negotiables that make someone not the right fit.

The National Federation of Independent Businesses suggests a three-pronged hiring approach, beginning with understanding your best performers. Look for candidates with similar traits and experience and publicize the job perks they appreciate most. Make sure your messaging to candidates reflects your company culture and helps your business stand out from other companies hiring for similar positions.

If you’re currently searching for new hires, consider sponsoring or advertising at an upcoming local job or career fair. Stay tuned to the Virginia Employment Commission website for a list of job fairs in your community.